







In English we use the present simple tense to talk about facts or things that are always true, as well as things in general. Present simple is also used to talk about a repeated action such as a habit, a hobby, a daily event, a scheduled event or something that often happens.
In English we use 'do' and 'does' as auxiliary verbs in negatives and questions and we often use the present simple with adverbs of frequency such as sometimes, always, often, never, usually, rarely, and hardly ever.
Notes for use of present simple :
In the third person, ‘s’ is added to the verb form. For example;
work --> works
run --> runs
live --> lives
For verbs that end in 'o', 'sh', 'ch', 's' and 'x', we add 'es' to the verb form. For example;
go --> goes
wish --> wishes
watch --> watches
kiss --> kisses
fax --> faxes
For verbs that end in a consonant + 'y', we change the 'y' to 'i' and add 'es'. For example;
try --> tries
study --> studies
The table below shows the different forms of present simple :
Example Verb : Work | I / You / We / They | He / She / It |
| Positive | ... work. | ... works. |
| Negative | ... don't work. | ... doesn't work. |
Questions | Do ... work? | Does ... work? |
| Short answers | Yes, ... do. / No, ... don't. | Yes, ... does. / No, ... doesn't. |
For the verb 'to be' we use 'am', 'is', 'are' in the present simple. No auxiliary verbs are used in negative sentences and questions.
Verb: Be | I | You / We / They | He / She / It |
| Positive | I'm ... | ... 're ... | ... 's ... |
| Negative | I'm not ... | ... aren't ... | ... isn't ... |
| Questions | Am I ... ? | Are ... ...? | Is ... ...? |
| Short answers | Yes, I am. / No, I'm not. | Yes, ... are. / No, ... aren't. | Yes, ... is. / No, ... isn't. |
Present Simple Example Sentences :
Positive Examples of Present Simple :
Negative Examples of Present Simple :
Question Examples of Present Simple :
| Present simple example sentences | |
|---|---|
| Do you like red or white onions? | |
| I'm checking again, there are only two forks and a teaspoon! | |
| I don't think so, trains leave about every 20 minutes. | |
| In the recipe it says 600g. | |
| I think I did, too, but I've got a really bad headache! | |
| He is a Chow Chow. | |
| Well, I'm used to getting bad news today, what's that? | |
| Then people come and complain to me! | |
| Erm.. Isn't it there? | |
| It's half past 4, so we are here right on time. | |
| Come on, Mike, it's not about me being home. | |
| Right! Who wants chardonnay, then? | |
| Thank you, see you there on Saturday at 13:00. | |
| That's why the rent is much lower than average. | |
| Hi, I don't think it's broken. | |
| Yes, that's okay, we are just about to leave. | |
| It's not a big deal but it's quite an important thing to mention. | |
| Hello, what kind of dog do you have, Mike? | |
| I have no idea... But I hope they have a good excuse! | |
| Is there a problem with your phone battery? | |